ABSTRACT

The research work, investigated the adequacy and functionality of speed bumps in selected routes in Oredo Local Government Area. Speed bumps are physical traffic calming devices which are used to reduce the speed of drivers by giving them an uncomfortable jolt when crossed.

The work was done in two phases, which were field study and the questionnaires. During the field study, the geometric properties of the bumps such as; height, length, spacing between each bumps and distance from the intersections were measured with a measuring tape and a hand held GPS was used to take the coordinates of the speed bumps on the selected routes. The materials used in their creation were also recorded and contrasted against international standards such as; Guideline for Speed Bump Installation in Santa Ana California USA, Highway (Road Bumps) Regulations In England And Wales etc. Questionnaires were also handed to motorists who ply the routes to determine public opinions about the state and their dispositions towards the bumps.

The standard height of speed bump was between 0.075m and 0.105m; the standard length was between 0.3m and 0.9m, the spacing between bumps was between 40m and 100m. A total of 13 speed bumps were discovered from the selected routes. For length, all bumps were within range set by international standards while with height, 5 were below standard, 6 between standard and 2 were above standard. For spacing only 4 bumps met the criteria which were between 1^st and 2^nd bump on Osuma road, between 1st and 2^nd bump, between 4^th and 5^th speed bump on Zabayor road and lastly between 2^nd and 3^rd bump on Ekpenede road, set by international standard which was 50-100m and the rest were either below or above it. The materials used for construction of the bumps were also recorded as 10 were made from asphalt and 3 from concrete however, 7 out of the 13 bumps were partially deteriorating but the remaining 6 were in good condition. From the values gotten it was discovered that not all parameters of the bumps acquired were not on par with those of international standards, therefore the bumps were not fully adequate.